Rug c. 1900

This large rug in the Minneapolis Institute of Art presents stylized animals amongst dense flowering shrubbery within a decorative border. Considered within its cultural context, the imagery evokes a sense of paradise, which can offer insights into the commissioner’s social status and spiritual values. The rug was likely woven in Persia, modern day Iran, where carpet weaving is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. Rugs such as these are not only functional but also bear symbolic weight, often reflecting the values and beliefs of the society that produced them. Further research into the rug's motifs, materials, and weaving techniques, combined with historical accounts of Persian art and culture, would allow one to better understand the rug’s role within the cultural landscape of its time. Art like this acts as a material record that can offer an insight into the social and institutional dynamics that shaped its creation and use.